? Your Voice Deserves to Be Heard: How to Overcome the Fear of Speaking in the Classroom

Many university students experience a hidden struggle with social anxiety, which is more than ordinary shyness. It is a condition characterized by intense anxiety that becomes particularly evident when giving a presentation or even asking a question during a lecture. This fear of being negatively evaluated by others can make students feel as though they are under constant scrutiny, leading some to remain silent or avoid attending classes altogether to escape potentially embarrassing situations. As a result, their educational experience and interaction with peers may be significantly affected. The underlying causes of social anxiety vary. Some students develop it as a result of previous experiences with bullying or harsh criticism, while others are affected by the demands of university life, which often require strong communication skills and a sudden level of independence. Low self-esteem also plays a central role, as students with social anxiety tend to magnify their perceived shortcomings and underestimate their abilities, believing that everyone notices their nervousness or physical signs of anxiety. This perception can lead to a cycle of isolation and avoidance of student activities that are important for personal growth. In the long term, the effects of social anxiety extend beyond psychological well-being and may become a barrier to academic achievement and future professional success. Students who avoid group discussions miss valuable opportunities to develop critical thinking skills and build supportive social networks. Nevertheless, overcoming this challenge is entirely possible by seeking support from the University's Psychological Counseling Department or by gradually facing anxiety-provoking situations and shifting the focus from "How do others see me?"  to  "What do I want to learn?"

The University Psychological Counseling Department affirms that its doors are always open to listen and provide psychological support with complete confidentiality to everyone who needs it.